“Global motorsports giant Formula One plans to bring its race-simulator restaurant and arcade concept to Chicago, striking a deal to take over a historic, two-level building in River North that formerly was home to Rock Bottom Brewery.
“F1 Arcade has signed a lease to move into the property at Grand Avenue and State Street, according to people familiar with the situation. F1 Arcade was developed through licensing agreements with Formula One Group, which is owned by Liberty Media. It is a restaurant and bar featuring high-tech race simulators using full-motion technologies, providing players with a realistic-looking simulation of driving in an open-wheel auto race.
“F1 Arcade’s pending arrival in Chicago comes more than two years after the former brewery building was put up for sale. It hit the market just after Rock Bottom’s closure in January 2023 after more than two decades in business.
“The building at 1 W. Grand Ave. is now being redeveloped by Chicago-based McCaffery Interests, which took out a $15.8 million loan.
“When the building was put up for sale in early 2023, it was marketed as a potential high-rise residential or hotel site, although the nearly century-old building’s “orange” status meant that, although it is not a Chicago landmark, a developer could face a lengthy and uncertain path toward knocking it down.
“F1 Arcade is part of a growing retail sector often referred to as “eatertainment,” which combines food and cocktails with activities such as miniature golf, golf simulators, bowling, shuffleboard, pickleball and ping-pong. (Ori, CoStar, 5/20/25)
- Formula One-inspired restaurant with high-tech racing simulators to replace Chicago brewery Lease for former Rock Bottom building is part of F1 Arcade’s global expansion, Ryan Ori, CoStar, 5/20/25
- Formula One racing arcade and restaurant coming to River North, Rachel Herzog, Crain’s Chicago Business, 5/20/25